December 2, 2017

Milking Room Roof Phase 2

We had 14-foot metal roofing panels with which to cover 16 feet. The problem, however, lent itself perfectly to use translucent roofing panels to allow in some natural light.

Locally, we couldn't find anything with the same profile as our metal panels. Shipping them was out of the question, but Dan thought he could work out how to put two different styles together. Lowe's best quality translucent panels were half-off, for which the timing was perfect. Even so, we waffled a bit before committing to a purchase. In spite of the manufacturer's claims, they seemed pretty flimsy for the job.

Because of the sale, a new lot of panels were in the rack along with a few old ones. We compared the two by heft and feel, and even though they were supposedly the same product, the old ones seemed heavier and thicker than the new batch. They were a bit dusty and scuffed, and the labels were dirty, but those are the ones we took: 2, 12-foot translucent polycarbonate roofing panels.

16 comments:

Glad you found a 'better' batch of polycarb. I've done the same thing occasionally - where same product differed so much. You have to keep your eyes open. You'll really enjoy the natural light. It's a joy reading about you and Dan's projects. Take care, Kris

we added those corrugated plastic sheets to our sheds, as skylights! because we wanted more insulation, we doubled up from the inside. when there is a lot of difference between day and night temps (only on cold nights in winter really), condensation happens, which made us rather unhappy at first - until we realised that it runs down, when there is enough. solution to that problem, stuff the bottom hole with an old cloth, exchange when wet:) works very well though, I can even put a few plants under the skylights on frosty nights! and to avoid sagging we (ie. DH:) cut wavy pieces of wood that match the waves of the plastik exactly... homemade maybe - but works a treat! I am sure you'll appreciate the light when you do your jobs!

Oh that looks light and breezy, lemon squeezy. I'm sure the goats will appreciate the skylight too, especially in winter. Dan didn't seem to have any problems, integrating the different profiles. Glad it worked out!

Awesome roof Dan! Next up, pics of goat milking?You know, maybe Mr Shoes just did a super good job on our barn skylights, because we've never had a single drip of condensation. Maybe because he built them like boxes on the underside but the plastic is level with the rest of the roof line? Maybe because the entire barn is well insulated? I really don't know why they are dry, but I feel lucky when other people say they have leaks and other worries. I'll have to pat my man on the back. Again. Gaaahd, it's getting to be a full time job! ;-)

Tania, yes, it's great! I will probably paint that plywood wall up there white, to help reflect the light even more. I'm so glad it worked out like it did.

Kris, thanks! Dan used these for a workshop roof a long time ago and we remember them being heavier in quality. It's a shame everything is getting so flimsy, but I'm glad we found a few that were a little sturdier.

Caroline, thanks! It's coming along great. :)

Bettina, doubling them is an interesting idea, although I agree the condensation would be annoying! Good solution on your part! I'm definitely happy to have the light.

Chris, Dan did a great job putting the two together. Worked out very well!

Mrs. Shoes, we've got a ways to go before we move the goats in, LOL. Sounds like you've got real skylights, and well installed ones at that! I so agree it's wonderful to have a partner who can tackle jobs like that.

Theresa, very true. Right now they're already getting a light layer of leaves! Autumn is late so we've still got color and falling leaves. Next it might be snow!

Very nicely done. Always a learning experience with Dan at the helm. He is certainly a natural at construction and you two work nicely as a team. I am certain you won't get the full effect until Spring but it will be nice to see how it all goes. One more reason to tag along at your place via the blog.😊

Goatldi, I think once we get walls up we'll have a better idea of it's usefulness. My little goat barn does pretty well with just windows, but in the mornings and evenings I still used the solar light. While Dan finishes the roof I need to start figuring out a layout for my milking room. Current set-up is pretty good so hopefully all I'll need is a few tweaks!

Sadly, those big box home improvement stores have gone the way of Walmart. They focus on selling cheaply priced stuff to be competitive and that almost always means they are thus cheaply made as well.

Other than cheap pine lumber and a few other things I can't source locally, I have found other places to buy things that are much better made albeit at a price premium. So far, I think it has been worth the effort.

Ed, that's so true, We're beginning to find other options as well, but also sometimes at better prices. Maybe because a smaller business doesn't have so much overhead, or maybe because they don't have to pay back investors, but sometimes they can offer a better deal.

M.K., thanks! I'm so glad we had the "problem." Otherwise I might not have thought of it as a solution!

Megan, good to hear from you! Those panels on a chicken coop is a great idea, especially in the north. I'm trying to talk Dan into using them on the back overhang of the barn, but I don't think he's as keen on it as I am.

5 Acres & A Dream. The dream has always been to live close to the land. The 5 acres came in 2009, when my husband Dan and I bought a neglected 1920s-built bungalow on 5 acres. The goal is simpler, sustainable, more self-reliant living, and a return to agrarian values.

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